Nations League: Thuram sets up two in France win

Marcus Thuram and France won 4-2 in their final Nations League group stage match against Sweden, after having already qualified for the Final Four of the tournament. Germany with Matthias Ginter and Florian Neuhaus in the squad, fell to a hefty 6-0 defeat in Spain.

Germany 

Die Mannschaft suffered a heavy defeat in their final game of the year, with a 6-0 defeat in Spain. The loss saw Spain (11 points) move past Joachim Löw’s side (9 points) in Group 4 of League A, ending Germany’s hopes of reaching the Final Four of the competition. Matthias Ginter started at right-back in Seville, with Florian Neuhaus being subbed on in the 61st minute for Leon Goretzka. The goalscorers for the hosts were Alvaro Morata (17’), Ferran Torres (33’, 55’, 72’), Rodri (38’) and Mikel Oyarzabal (89’). This was Germany’s first defeat this year, after having won three and drawn four of the other games in 2020. It was also Germany’s heaviest defeat since a 6-0 loss to Austria in 1931. 

France

France won 4-2 against Sweden in their final Nations League group stage match. Marcus Thuram started his first competitive game for France, after having previously started in their friendly against Finland (2-0 win). In their 1-0 Nations League win against Portugal, Thuram was subbed on around the hour mark. After falling behind early on against Sweden (4’), Thuram set up Olivier Giroud to score the equaliser after some fancy footwork in the box (16’). He was then also involved in France scoring the go-ahead goal, after his shot was blocked and fell at Benjamin Pavard’s feet, who made no mistake in volleying it into the back of the net (36’). Thuram was then subbed off at the hour mark. France, who had already qualified for the Final Four of the tournament, ended the group stages at the top of Group 3 in League A (16 points). 

Switzerland 

Switzerland’s Nations League game against Ukraine, set for Tuesday evening, was called off by UEFA hours before kick-off after several positive Covid-19 tests within the Ukraine squad. The entire Ukrainian team is currently in quarantine. A 1-0 or 2-1 win, or a win with at least two goals difference would have been enough for Switzerland to overtake Ukraine and prevent their relegation to League B. The result of the game will be determined by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body. 

Austria U21s 

The Austria U21s won 4-0 against Andorra in their final U21 EURO qualifier, with Hannes Wolf scoring a brace for his side. He opened the scoring in the 4th minute from the spot, before making it 3-0 later in the game (31’). Wolf was then taken off in the closing stages of the game. Despite the win, Austria U21s were already out of the running for one of the final two qualifying spots at the EUROs. 

Austria 

Stefan Lainer and Austria will be in action tonight (18th Nov., 20:45 CET) in their final group stage match against Norway. Austria are currently top of Group 1 in League B (12 points), ahead of upcoming opponents Norway (9 points). However, Norway have played one game less, after their match against Romania (currently in third with four points) was postponed. Both teams have played just four group stage matches. Tonight’s game between Austria and Norway will therefore have no immediate impact on who will progress to the next highest group. 

(Photo: imago images / PanoramiC)